I have been listening to Thank You Les, the recent tribute release by Lou Pallo of the Les Paul Trio. This recording features a veritable who's who of special guests including Keith Richards, Steve Miller, Billy Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle and more. The recording features 21 of favorites by Les Paul done in a somewhat traditional way. Mr. Day/Tell Me What's The Reason, featuring Miller has a distinctive Steve Miller sound done in a light swing jazz styling with a cool guitar interlude is actually quite relaxing. Caravan, an instrumental featuring Nokie Edwards is a cool track and Edwards not only demonstrated his acuity on the fingerboard but also his knowledge of Pauls unique styling. Tennesse Waltz featuring Micki Parrott demonstrates finesse and smooth harmonizing. September Song featuring Billy F. Gibbons is really clean and trick. It doesn't have any ZZ Top overdrive, but beautiful clean guitar runs and electronic echo/reverb on the rhythm and firm confident lead guitar riffs (with some blues in the stew). Really nice. I'm Confessing That I Love You featuring Eddie Brigati Jr. and Bucky Pizzarelli is one the stronger tracks ... Pizzarelli handles the guitar magnificently. Least likely to win any accolades from me, Mr Sandman featuring telemaster Arlen is really quite cool. Roth of course is a spectacular player and master of style. He not only captures the spirit of Paul but also keeps his own personality. Possibly my favorite track on the release is Besame Mucho featuring Jose Feliciano. I have to admit I haven't heard Feliciano on over 20 years but he demonstrates here why his name is still held in high regard. Not only is his singing beautiful but his guitar playing is exemplary. Brilliant! Brazil, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola is done with a Latin rhythm and the guitar runs on this track are amazing (and in keeping with Paul's own style. Vaya Con Dios featuring Lexie and Arlen Roth is another beautiful track not only because of the lush guitar work but Lexie really is perfect for this track on vocals. Steve Miller has demonstrated his capabilities as a serious jazz musician on his own recording in the past but accompanied by Lou Pallo, I believe this may be some of his most significant work outside of the rock scene. Definitely worth the listen. Memories of You is a simple guitar duet featuring Tommy Doyle and Lou Pallo. The work is straight up clean and very enjoyable. Carioca, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola with Lou Pallo brings out the beautiful Spanish harmonies of this original track. Very nice Spanish/jazz guitar work! Just One More Chance again featuring Pizzarelli on guitar is bright and airy. This is just perfectly orchestrated and executed. St. Louis Blues is done in a retro down and dirty manner. Featuring John Paris on vocals, slide and harmonica this is a track very different from the rest and Bob Levine on trumpet is magnificent. This may not be a blues recording, but if you love guitar, love Les Paul or just love well performed music... this is one to get!
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